Western Hotel (Lancaster, California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lancaster Western Hotel |
|
|---|---|
The building's exterior in 2012
|
|
| Location | 557 W Lancaster Boulevard Lancaster, California, U.S. |
| Built | 1876 |
| Designated | September 26, 1958 |
| Reference no. | 658 |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
The Western Hotel is a very old building in Lancaster, California. It was built way back in 1876 by the Gilroy family. This hotel is the oldest building still standing in Lancaster today. Because of its long history, it was named a California Historic Landmark in 1958. Its special number is 658. You can find the Western Hotel at 557 West Lancaster Boulevard. This is in Los Angeles County.
A man named George T. Webber bought the hotel in 1902. He kept running it as the Western Hotel. The building was first put up near a train stop. This train stop was also built in 1876. It was part of the Southern Pacific railroad line. This important railway connected San Francisco to Los Angeles. It ran right through the Antelope Valley.
Contents
The Western Hotel: A Historic Landmark
The Western Hotel has a long and interesting past. It played a big part in the early days of Lancaster. It was more than just a place to sleep.
A Community Hub
The hotel had a large dining room. This room became the main meeting spot for the whole city. Many important events happened here. For example, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce was started in this very room. Church groups held their social gatherings there. People also met for quilting bees and card parties. Many civic clubs and business meetings took place in the dining room too. It was truly the heart of the community.
Home for Aqueduct Workers
From 1905 to 1913, a huge project was underway. This was the building of the Los Angeles-Owens River Aqueduct. This aqueduct brought water from far away to Los Angeles. Many of the workers building this aqueduct stayed at the Western Hotel. It provided a place for them to live during this big construction job.
Today: A Museum
In 1992, the Western Hotel was updated. It was turned into a small museum. Now, visitors can explore the building. They can learn about its history. The museum even offers free tours. It's a great way to step back in time.
California Historic Landmark Marker
Outside the hotel, there is a special sign. This sign tells people about the building's history. It is called a California Historic Landmark Marker.
The marker says:
- N0. 658 WESTERN HOTEL – This building was built by the Gilroy family in 1876. George T. Webber bought it in 1902. He then ran it as the Western Hotel. The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce started in its dining room. From 1905 to 1913, workers building the Los Angeles-Owens River Aqueduct stayed here. It became a central place for business and social life in the early community.
